The Thar Dry Port Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Hirnoda near Jaipur, developed with an investment of around Rs 300 crore and operationalized last week, is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs, improve export competitiveness, and attract fresh industrial investments across Rajasthan.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
Spread over more than 100 acres and located just 55 km from Jaipur, the dry port is strategically positioned to function as a gateway connecting Rajasthan's industries directly to international markets through seamless rail links to Gujarat's Mundra Port and Pipavav Port. The facility is also connected to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, enabling faster and more cost-effective movement of goods.
Impact on Export-Oriented Sectors
Industry representatives said the project could be a game-changer for Rajasthan's export-oriented sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, garments, marble, engineering products, agro-processing, and renewable energy equipment. Suresh Agarwal, president of the Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry, stated, "Until now, exporters often had to bear higher transportation costs and longer transit times due to the state's landlocked geography. The dry port is expected to bridge this gap by bringing port-level infrastructure and customs clearance facilities closer to manufacturing centres."
Benefiting Industrial Clusters
The facility is expected to benefit major industrial clusters including Mahindra SEZ, VKIA, Sitapura, Bagru, Dadu, and Alwar. By providing efficient logistics, the dry port will enhance the competitiveness of these clusters in global markets.
Additional benefits include reduced transit times, lower inventory costs, and improved supply chain reliability. The dry port is also anticipated to attract new investments in manufacturing and logistics sectors, further boosting the state's economy.
